There are very few moments in my booked and busy life where I get the opportunity to think about me—and only me. Sounds familiar, right? At this point, we’re all well-versed in the concept and benefits of self-care, but what we really need is the permission (from ourselves and others) and time (hard to come by, I know) to actually perform any. Well, friends, I’m giving us both in the form of something many of us have talked shit about forever.
Starting now, I’m turning Wash Day into my proverbial “do not disturb” sign. Instead of dreading the process—aka the shared Black-girl experience that requires a level of effort that can wear us out before we even touch our heads—I’m turning it into a shining example of unapologetic self-care and beautifying badassery. Don’t get me wrong, all the mental gymnastics are still there: When can I set aside three to five hours to do my hair? How should I style it based on my schedule for the next few weeks? Will any of my plans (Power Pilates, a friend’s birthday bash, running after my hyperactive toddler) involve high levels of sweat? But I’m consciously shifting my perspective. Wash Day is all this and an optimal chance to mute personal chaos, at least temporarily, and get to the business of pouring into ourselves.
Think of these precious hours as investments in your #SoftLife journey. You can even, like me, attempt to upgrade the ritual by getting a little fancy with a superior lineup of products. My curls are currently loving the ones featured below, including a few extras that take Wash Day to the next level. I can’t overemphasize how good it feels to gently detangle my hair while wrapped in a luxe robe with an exquisitely scented candle burning in the background. This scene also includes a bottomless glass of wine and a steady stream of rom-coms (Coming to America never disappoints). And I always keep a chic towel-lined satin turban ready for when I need to stylishly reenter the world while my hair is still getting into formation. Cheers to a day well spent...with myself.
Whether I’m going for a sleek silk press or a frizz-free twist-out, this hardworking mousse that’s infused with Manuka Honey and Mafura Oil is my new go-to. My hair is incredibly soft, hydrated and moves with ease. Snag a bottle and thank me later!
Kazmaleje Brush
I’m obsessed with this tool that detangles, massages the scalp, and cares for the crown at the same damn time! The thick, smooth bristles are beautifully designed to love on curls, coils and kinks.
Martha’s Vineyard is my happy place, and one of my favorite spots on the island is Menemsha Beach. The sunsets there are legendary, so lighting this cedar, sandalwood and coconut-laced candle reminds me of them — and calms me as I do my hair.
Parachute Home Cloud Cotton Robe
You’ve gotta be comfy when you’re spending half the day getting your hair in formation. This robe is constantly sold-out for good reason. The super soft Turkish cotton is insanely dreamy — you won’t want to take it off!
There’s nothing like finding a shampoo and conditioner duo that your hair immediately falls in love with. Between the hydrating aloe and moisture-locking grapeseed oil, these bbs are must-haves!
The quest for longer, fuller and healthier hair is always on my mind. This innovative serum is doing the trick with a fascinating and effective combination of pea peptides, pomegranate enzymes, and apple stem cell technology.
Shaz & Kiks Pre-Wash
This is your official sign to start using a pre-poo treatment. The yummy Ayurvedic herbs, nurturing oils, and flowers help strengthen your hair in addition to nourishing your scalp before you cleanse and condition.
Quick Dry Hair Wrap Microfiber x Satin
Look, sometimes life keeps life-ing in the middle of Wash Day, so this stylish towel-lined turban is the perfect piece to throw on and still look super chic. Run the errands or take the Zoom call, and no one has to know what your tresses are up to.
Julee Wilson is Beauty Editor at Large at Cosmopolitan. Previously, Julee was Beauty Director at Cosmo and Global Beauty Director at Essence and has held various editorial positions at Huffington Post and Real Simple. She counts herself lucky AF that she gets to play with beauty products for a living and tell dope stories. And if you’re as obsessed with beauty as she is, make sure to follow her on Instagram for plenty of product recs, natural hair inspo, skincare testing, and Black girl magic shenanigans.
